KIDDERMINSTER Harriers can expect a heroes' welcome whether they win the FA Trophy tomorrow or not.

Mark Yates's side, who face Steve-nage Borough in the final at Wembley, will be lauded with a civic reception on Monday night preceded by an open-top bus tour of the town, whatever the result.

It's recognition from the town's hierarchy that Harriers have helped put Kidderminster back on the map.

Chairman Barry Norgrove has been delighted with the response and admits the area has been in the doldrums for far too long.

He said: "Kidderminster used to be famous for its carpets - but there's hardly a carpet factory in the town these days.

"The town has fallen victim to cheaper foreign imports from the likes of Belgium. As a result, the town has been steadily losing its identity.

"It didn't help when we dropped out of the Football League. At least we were on the pools coupon every weekend."

However, the interest in Harriers' trip to Wembley has gone through the roof.

The club have sold between 22,000-23,000 tickets - not bad for a club whose average home gate is only around 1,800.

Norgrove added: "I'm sure a large number of people going are more interested in seeing the new Wembley Stadium rather than Kidderminster Harriers.

"But all support is welcome and hopefully some of them will decide to stick with us afterwards."

The fact the final is being played at Wembley has totally transformed the occasion.

Had it taken place at either West Ham or Coventry City, which had been suggested, it would not have created the same impact.

The Wembley factor has created an unexpected financial windfall for the Harriers. They will receive a percentage from ticket sales sold through the club, although Norgrove revealed the amount still had to be decided with the FA.

But he has already indicated that some of the profit made through the Trophy Final will be ploughed back into the side.

"We will sit down with manager Mark Yates after the Trophy Final and see what he needs for next season," he said. "Although reaching the FA Trophy Final is fantastic, it shouldn't detract us from the real objective.

"We want to get this club back into the Football League as quickly as possible.

"Financially, the club is much better off playing at that level. If anyone asked me if I would swop the FA Trophy Final for a place back in the Football League then I would.

"Don't get me wrong, what we achieved, we've done at the right time. As far as crowds go, we're going to break all records.

"I can sense the excitement around the town - the place has a real buzz about it and people can't wait to get to Wembley.

"You just hope it keeps going, because you can't get enough of it."

Manager Yates echoed his chairman's sentiments adding: "We've been very fortunate as a club that the final isn't being held at West Ham or Coventry.

"It's Wembley and it's something we have to take in our stride. I believe it will be a great occasion. And the fact there'll be plenty of youngsters in the ground, I expect the atmosphere to be very high-pitched.

"We're just grateful to everyone who has bought tickets because we'll need all the support we can get.

"I'm not stupid enough to think it's not Wembley that's the big attraction. I just hope we can go there and impose ourselves on the game. We don't want to let anyone down."

Harriers have been raking in the cash as a result of the Trophy Final spin-offs.

The club shop has never known business quite like it. Sales of Harriers' flags, assorted tshirts, scarves and hats has been phenomenal.

Norgrove said: "We've done such good business that we've sold out on three occasions and keep having to re-stock."